POLICY & ADVOCACY

Course Description This course covers the policy and advocacy components of the program with presentations as well as opportunities for exposure to health policies at national, state, and local levels as well as professional and organizational policies. Dental professional's role in advocating for optimal oral health will be discussed.

​Course Competencies

Demonstrate the ability to describe the US policy and advocacy legislative processes.

Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for policies that impact oral and general health for individuals and populations.

Demonstrate the ability to participate in inter-professional care across the lifespan of people from diverse communities and cultures.

​Course ObjectivesOn successful completion of this course, residents will be prepared to:

​Residents are expected to become knowledgeable in the overall federal and State health policy making process, current policies in place, and strategies applied in advocacy.

Describe how laws and policies and developed and implemented in the US.

Identify the role of the dental profession in advocating for optimal health for the US population, including undeserved and vulnerable populations.

Describe the roles of dental public health organizations in oral health advocacy.

Educate and promote awareness about the importance of oral health to policy makers and regulatory agencies and officials.

Discuss the US policies that regulate or affect the provisions of oral healthcare, including coverage of dental care and state practice acts.

Describe the role of inter professional collaborations in advocating for policies that prevent and treat dental diseases.